Beaker and saucer 1738 - 1748

This elegant beaker and saucer were produced at the Capodimonte Porcelain Manufactory in Italy, sometime in the mid-18th century. Capodimonte was renowned for its soft-paste porcelain, prized for its delicate texture and luminous quality. The cup and saucer are decorated with a technique called "pâte-sur-pâte," meaning "paste on paste." This involves applying successive layers of liquid porcelain slip to build up a relief design. The result is a subtle, almost ethereal effect, with the raised decoration casting delicate shadows. The contrast between the matte white porcelain and the colored ground further enhances the three-dimensional quality of the ornamentation. Such intricate work required immense skill and patience, reflecting the highly specialized labor practices of the Capodimonte Manufactory. Porcelain production was a complex, multi-stage process, involving a division of labor among skilled artisans. The production of luxury items like these speaks volumes about the hierarchies of labor, trade and consumption at this time. Examining the material of this beaker and saucer helps us understand the intersection of craft, design, and social status in 18th-century Europe, underscoring the cultural significance imbued within seemingly simple objects.